Visual display system



References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS United States Patent [72] inventors Joseph Vincent DeMa -inis; William Daniel Schuster; Robert Charles 6 m m U6 m 4 8 L 7 0 V T S NW5 w 2mm :Rp e mmmw Mr mw HRO eil c BD U 96mm 56 a 99 m MM 1 h 3 0 13 b mm m 7 h i s 23 a corporation of Delaware 9, ARRL, West Hartford, CT., Sept. 1960.

Primary Examiner-Richard Murray Attorneys-Norman J. OMalley, Cyril A. Krenzer and Thomas H. Buffton [54] VISUAL DISPLAY SYSTEM 6 Claims, 3 Drawing Figs.

and chrominance information derived from transmitted signals and photographic film directly to a color image reproducer of an ordinary color television receiver.

of luminance ABSTRACT: An adapter selectively couples first and second sources of signals representative ammaw 5 5 /79/ i oo oofim 7 7 1 i H A m m 34. m NW m L m m Ne w MS I Lo w .m k U hr. 1 I] 2 I10 5 55 l [I q l l l A l I I l I l l I l I I l I I l l S M 9 min I CT n n R |IT MN O Y e c J 7 a w I 6 N AM .2 n u m J a D N m L X a I i i II n a mm H T WR M M A Tw N U GM P O n 5 T N P 5 AM A MA .1- m m i l I l l I 1 I T T H 5 7 1* 5 MM I 2 S n T r||| 2 5 n ll m W WT E N K ME R EM t m A w r N 5 m m uv 5 MN 5 F x 1 1 l I 1 I IIL SHEET 2 BF 3 SIGNAL RECEIVER BLANKER HIGH VOLTAGE I I I I I I l I l 1 7 I 3 SJ 4 4 W.

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IN VENTORS $8 m R L AME MUM H. V 0 MT T "A80 T PIE A 5MB 5 0 M PATENIED UEBI 5 I970 35481381 sum 3 BF 3 I 75: I I SIGNAL RECEIVER F l I I I I I I I k I I I saw $POTENTIAL I L\ CONTRAST DEVELOPMENT I COLOR I BRIGHTNESS I F m w I I I I V I I I l I SIGNAL SIGNAL I TRANSMITTER PROCESS I I as 65 87 I L INVENTORS JOSEPH V. DEMARINIS, WILLIAM D- SCHUSTER ROBERT C WHIEELER ATTORNEY VISUAL DISPLAY SYSTEM CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The above-mentioned copending application sets forth and fully details a consumer product capable of displaying images derived from both transmitted signals and photographic films. This consumer product, as compared with relatively expensive commercial" products, provides an integrated system having a first and second source of signals and a means for selective application of these signals to provide a visual image display.

. As mentioned, the abovesystem is of an integrated form and includes apparatus for providing a first source of signals, a second source of signals, and means for selectively coupling the first and second sources to an image reproducer. Moreover, the first and second signal sources are interdependent employing certain specific components and potentials in common.

However, it has been found that a need has long existed for apparatus suitable for attachment to existing consumer" type apparatus to provide a selective visual display derived from either transmitted signals or photographic films. More specifically, it has been found highly desirable to provide a compatible visual display system which includes a color television receiver, a flying spot scanner system and an adapter for coupling the scanner system to a color television receiver.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an enhanced visual display system. Another object of the invention is to provide improved apparatus for selective visual display of color images in response to signals from a first and a second signal development means. Still another object of the invention is the provision of apparatus adapted to cooperate with a color television receiver to provide an image display of signals selectively derived from intercepted television signals and from light-scanned photographic films. A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus for convenient employment with a color television receiver for effecting color image displays developed from both photographic films and intercepted television signals.

These and other objects are achieved in one aspect of the invention by a visual display system employing a color television receiver including a first signal development means having a synchronizing control signal development means and a color image reproducer, a second signal development means, a scan and potential development means coupled to the first and second signal development means, and an adapter means for selective direct coupling of signals representative of luminance and chrominance information from the first and second signal development means to the color image reproducer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of one embodiment of a visual display system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration, in block form, of apparatus for synchronizing first and second sources of signals representative of luminance and chrominance information;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration, in block form, of an alternative embodiment of a visual display system of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention as well as other and further objects,

advantages and capabilities thereof will be better understood upon consideration of the following disclosure and appended claims in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a preferred form of visual display system includes a color television receiver 5, a flying spot scanner system 7, an independent scan and potential development means 9, and an adapter 11. The receiver 5 and the flying spot scanner system 7 are intercoupled by the independent scan and potential development means 9 as well as the adapter 11.

Generally, the television receiver 5 is of the well known compatible color-monochrome design and includes a signal receiver 13 coupled to an antenna 15 and via a socket-base arrangement 17 to a color cathode ray tube 19. The signal receiver 13 includes the capability for providing all of the necessary horizontal sweep and high voltagepotentials which are applied to the cathode ray tube '19. Also, the signal receiver 13 is responsive to signals intercepted by the antenna 15 to provide a first source of signals representative of luminance and chrominance information as well as synchronizing control signals.

The flying spot scanner system 7 includes a flying spot scanner tube 21, a film mechanism 23, a signal transmitter .25, a signal processing network 27, and a control network 29 associated with the signal processing network 27. This scanner system 7 is fully explained and detailed in the above-mentioned copending application entitled Color Reproduction System" filed Aug. 1, 1967 having Ser. No. 657,623 and asflying spot scanner tube 21 and signal-transmitter 25 includes all of the means necessary for positioning of a photographic film for light scanning thereof by a light beam of the flying spot scanner tube 21. The resultant developed signals are applied to the signal transmitter 25 which includes the usual converging and condenser type lens systems, photomultiplier stages, dichroic mirrors and signal conversion, groupings, and color filters. Therein, signals representative of the colors red (R), green (G), and blue (B) are derived and applied to the signal processing network 27.

The signal processing network 27 includes DC restoration stages, gamma correction stages, an automatic brightness control system, and a matrix and amplification network all of which are explained in the above-mentioned application. Therein, signals representative of luminance and chrominance information are derived which are applied to the adapter 11. Thus, the flying spot scanner system responds to signals derived from photographic film to provide a second source of signals representative of luminance and chrominance information. Moreover, the control network 29 includes color and contrast control apparatus similar to the usual color and contrast control apparatus of a color television receiver.

The independent scan and potential development means 9,

illustrated in FIG. 2, serves to provide all of the scan and potentials necessary to the operation of the flying spot scanner system 7. Moreover, the scan and potential development means 9 serves to synchronize the operation of the flying spot scanner system with the operation of the color cathode ray tube 19 of the television receiver 5.

Specifically, horizontal and vertical frequency synchronizing information included in a video signal available in the signal receiver 13 of the television receiver 5 is applied to the scan and potential development means 9. Therein, a vertical synchronizing signal generator 31 coupled to the signal receiver 13 provides signals which are applied to and control the operation of a vertical oscillator and output stage 33. In turn, signals at a vertical frequency from the vertical oscillator and output stage 33 are applied to apparatus associated with and controlling vertical scanning of the flying spot scanner tube 21 of the flying spot scanner system 7 and to a horizontal and vertical blanking stage 35 of the scan and potential development means 9.

I Also, a horizontal synchronizing signal generator 37 coupled to the signal receiver 13 of the television receiver provides output signals which are applied to an automatic frequency control (AFC) stage 39. A horizontal oscillator stage 41 develops signals at a horizontal frequency which are applied to a horizontal output stage 43 which in turn provides output signals which are coupled to the AFC stage 39. In the usual manner, the AFC stage 39 derives control signals which are applied to and alter the operation of the horizontal oscillator stage 41.

Further, output signals at a horizontal frequency from the horizontal output stage 43 are applied to the horizontal and vertical blanking stage 35, a blanker stage 45, a high voltage stage 47, and to horizontal deflection apparatus associated with the flying spot scanner tube 21 of the flying spot scanner system 7. The horizontal and vertical blanking stage 35 provides blanking signals which are applied to the flying spot scanner tube 21 of the flying spot scanner system 7 while the blanker stage 45 provides blanking signals which are applied tothe adapter 11 for selective application to and control over blanking of the color cathode ray tube 19 of the color television receiver 5.

Also, horizontal sweep potentials available from the horizontal output stage 43 are applied to apparatus associated with the flying spot scanner tube 21 of the flying spot scanner system 7. The high voltage stage 47 coupling the horizontal output stage 43 to the flying spot scanner tube 21 provides the high voltage potentials necessary to the operation of the flying spot scanner tube 21. Thus, high voltage potentials, horizontal and vertical sweep potentials, and horizontal and vertical blanking signals in synchronization with similar signals and potentials of the television receiver 5 are applied to the flying spot scanner tube 21 of the flying spot scanner system 7. Moreover, blanking signals, synchronized with the horizontal and vertical blanking signals applied to the flying spot scanner tube 21, are applied to the adapter 11 for employment with the color cathode ray tube 19 of the color television receiver Referring back to FIG. 1 the adapter 11 includes a luminance amplifier and drive control network 49, a matrix and amplifier network 51, screen potential controls 53, a switching means 55 including first, second and third groups of ganged contacts, 57, 59 and 61 respectively, and a second socket-base arrangement 63. The luminance amplifier and drive control network 49 couples signals representative of luminance( y) information from the signal processing network 27 of the flying spot scanner system 7 to the first group of ganged contacts 57 of the switching means 55.

The matrix and amplifier network 51 receives signals representative of chrominance (x and 1) information from the signal processing network 27 and derives therefrom color difference signals (R-y, B v and G-y) which are applied to selected ones of the first group of ganged contacts 57 of the switching means 55. Further, the screen potential controls 53 provide alterable potential values which are also applied to selected ones of the first group of ganged contacts 57 of the switching means 55. Moreover, the second and third groups of ganged contacts 59 and 61 of the switching means 55 are coupled to the second socket-base arrangement 63.

'As to the operation of the visual display system, the first socket-base arrangement 17 of the color television receiver 5 is decoupled and coupled to the second socket-base arrangem'ent 63 of the adapter 11. Also, video signals available in the signal receiver 13 of the color television receiver 5 are applied to the scan and potential development means 9, which in turn, is coupled to the flying spot scanner system 7 and to the adapter 11. Moreover, the flying spot scanner system 7 is also coupled to the adapter 1 1.

Assuming a viewer wishes to observe a transmitted color iriiage, the switching means 55 of the adapter 11 is selectively positioned for coupling of the second and third groups of ganged contacts 59 and 61 respectively. Thus, signals intercepted by the antenna 15 and available in the signal receiver 13 of the color television receiver 5 are applied via the first and second socket-base arrangements, 17 and 63 respectively, and switching means 55 to the color cathode ray tube 19 of the color television receiver 5.

Should viewing of a photographic film disposed within the film mechanism 23 of the flying spot scanner system 7 be desired, the switching means 55 of the adapter is selectively positioned to decouple the second and third groups of ganged contacts, 59 and 61, and to couple the first and third groups of ganged contacts 57 and 61. Thus, signals representative of luminance and chrominance information available in the adapter 11 in response to signals applied from the flying spot scanner system 7 are applied via the second and first socketbase arrangement 63 and 17, to the color cathode ray tube 19 of the color television receiver 5.

In summary, color television signals intercepted by the antenna 15 coupled to the signal receiver 13 of a color television receiver 5 are applied to a color cathode ray tube 19 via a selective switching means 55 on an adapter 11. Also, signals derived from photographic film in a flying spot scanner system 7 are selectively applied via the switching means 55 on the adapter 11 to the color cathode ray tube 19 of the color television receiver 5. Moreover, synchronizing signals in the color television receiver 5 developed from received color television signals are applied to and serve to synchronize the flying spot scanner system 7 with the color television receiver 5.

Alternatively, FIG. 3 illustrates a visual display system which includes a color television receiver 65, a flying spot scanner system 67, an independent scan and potential development means 69, and an adapter 71. As previously described with regard to FIG. 1, the independent scan and potential development means 69 and adapter 71 are coupled to one another and intercouple the color television receiver 65 and flying spot scanner system 67.

The color television receiver 65 includes a signal receiver 73 coupled to an antenna 75 and via a first socket-base arrangement 77 to a color cathode ray tube 79. As is common, the signal receiver 73 develops control signals for synchronization and of scanning and blanking of the color cathode ray tube 79, and these control signals are applied to the scan and development means 69.

In the scan and potential development means 69, horizontal and vertical scan and high voltage potentials are developed and applied to a flying spot scanner tube 81 and apparatus associated therewith of the flying spot scanner system 67. Also, horizontal and vertical blanking signals are developed and applied to the flying spot scanner tube 81 and blanking signals are applied to the adapter 71.

As previously explained, the flying spot scanner system 67 includes a flying spot scanner tube 81, a film mechanism 83, a signal transmitter 85, a signal processing stage 87, and a contrast and color control stage 89 associated with the signal processing stage 87. Also, output signals representative of luminance and chrominance information available from the signal processing stage 87 are applied to the adapter 71.

The adapter 71 includes a switching means 91 having a first, second, and third group of ganged contacts 93, 95, and 97 respectively; an amplifier stage 99, and a second socket-base arrangement 101. The first group of ganged contacts 93 of the switching means 91 is coupled via the amplifier stage 99 to the scan and potential development means 69 as well as to the signal processing stage 87 of the flying spot scanner system 67. Also, the second and third groups of ganged contacts, 95 and 97 respectively, are coupled to the second socket-base arrangement 101.

In operation, the first socket-base arrangement 77 of the color television receiver 65 is decoupled and coupled to the second socket-base arrangement 101 of the adapter 71. Also, a signal containing synchronizing and/or blanking information available in the signal receiver 73 of the color television receiver 65 is coupled to the scan and potential development means 69 which, in turn, is coupled to the flying spot scanner system 67 and the adapter 71.

In viewing a transmitted color image, the switching means 91 of the adapter 71 is selectively positioned to couple the second and third groups of ganged contacts, 95 and 97 respectively. Thereupon, signals representative of luminance and chrominance information developed from transmitted television signals in the signal receiver 73 are applied via the first and second socketbase arrangements 77 and 101 and the switching means 91, to the color cathode ray tube 79 of the color television receiver 65.

Should the viewing of a photographic film disposed in the film mechanism 83 of the flying spot scanner system 67 be desired, the switching means 97 of the adapter 71 is selectively positioned to provide coupling of the first and third groups of ganged contacts 93 and 97 respectively. Thereupon, signals representative of luminance and chrominance information developed in the flying spot scanner system 67 and the amplifier stages 99 are applied via the switching means 91, and the first and second socket-base arrangements 77 and 101 to the color cathode ray tube 79 of the color television receiver 65.

Thus, there has been provided a unique visual display system for viewing color images derived from both color television signals and light-scanned photographic films. The system is preferably in the form of a consumer product suitable for use in the home as compared with so-called commercial apparatus employed in industrial applications. Thus, the system is relatively inexpensive and especially adapted for use by an average viewer of television receivers. Moreover, this unique visual display system includes apparatus adapted for convenient cooperation with an available color television receiver to provide selective viewing of color images derived from both televised signals and photographic film.

We claim:

1. A visual display system comprising in combination:

a color television receiver including a first signal development means and a color image reproducer, said first signal development means providing signals representative of luminance and chrominance information and a source of synchronizing and control signals in response to intercepted color television signals;

a second signal development meansin the form of a flying spot scanner system including a flying spot scanner tube for providing signals representative of luminance and chrominance infonnation derived from colored photographic film;

a scan and potential development means responsive to signals from said synchronizing and control signal source of said color television receiver to effect synchronization of said first and second signal development means in response to a transmitted color television signal; and

adapter means for selective direct coupling of said signals representative of luminance and chrominance information from said first and second signal development means to said color image reproducer whereby a color image display is provided.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said scan and potential development means includes circuitry responsive to a color television signal received by :said receiver for effecting application of horizontal and vertical scanning signals and high voltage and blanking potentials: to said flying spot scanner tube of said flying spot scanner system and application of blanking potentials to said adapter means for effecting synchronization of blanking of said cathode ray tube of said television receiver with said flying spot scanner tube.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said color television receiver includes a first socket-base arrangement and said adapter means includes a second socket-base arrangement, said first and second socketbase arrangements being coupled to provide selective application of signals representative of luminance, chrominance, blanking, and DC bias information from said first and second signal development means to said color image re roducer of said color television receiver.

4. The corn matron of claim 1 wherein said adapter means includes a switchingmeans having ganged contacts for selective coupling of signals representative of luminance, chrominance, DC bias and blanking information from said first and second signal development means to said color cathode ray tube of said color television receiver.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said adapter means includes a matrix network coupled to said switching means for altering the form of signals representative of luminance and chrominance information derived from said second signal development means and applied to said cathode ray tube of said color television receiver.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said adapter means includes at least one amplification means responsive to luminance and chrominance signals applied thereto from said second signal development means. 

